The game started in a flurry, as both teams traded blows throughout the first half. At the break, the Comets clung to a narrow 41-40 lead, with Hancock’s star, Karleigh Rohloff, showing her scoring prowess early. Hillcrest never flinched. Instead, they responded with a balanced attack, featuring the savvy defensive play of senior guard Ella Knutson and the disruptive anticipation of Ruby Peterson, whose relentless effort on defense sparked crucial turnovers.

There’s power in thanksgiving weekend. Lately, I've intentionally noticed where God is moving and am thankful to see it. This past week, it’s been in our students' laughter, our teachers' dedication, and our community.

God is faithful, and Kate has seen that in her life. She shares that with students and staff alike as she spoke in chapel recently. She reflects on her family dynamics, highlighting her role as the feisty third child among her siblings. Kaitlin emphasizes the significance of the devotionals and Bible studies her parents conducted, which shaped her understanding of God. The main focus of her talk is on God's faithfulness, and she discusses how this belief manifests in her life. Kate recounts her experience with confirmation class, where her grandpa was her teacher, and how it sparked a lasting habit of reading the Bible. Through this practice, she discovers God's unwavering faithfulness to His people. Tune in to hear Kate's inspiring insights and the impactful ways her faith has developed.

The Comets’ hard work and determination were palpable throughout the game. Their unity and willingness to leave everything on the court spoke volumes about their approach this season. With this impressive opening win, Hillcrest has made it clear: they’re not just playing to win; they’re playing for each other.

The fifth graders used Dr. Kathy Koch’s concept of the “8 Smarts” to creatively express worship in ways that reach all learners. They performed a skit and gave teaching to give a special teaching on worship. Mrs. Diniz explains, "Worship is more than singing songs. It’s using our voices, our minds, and our hearts to connect with God, to honor Him, and to invite others to see Him at work in our lives.” This belief in an all-encompassing approach to worship is the foundation of Hillcrest’s classical model, where learning and worship are woven together to deepen students' understanding and love for God.

Down early in the fifth and final set, the Comets battled back to face a 10-12 deficit that had the season hanging in the balance. But instead of tensing up, something extraordinary happened. During a time-out called by Coach Foss, the players returned to the court with smiles on their faces. Fans noticed the change in their demeanor as the team started cheering louder for each other. They weren’t just playing to win; they were playing with joy, a rare sight in such a high-pressure moment.

Starting from an unfavorable box position, Katie wasted no time in the conference meet. She initially pushed hard, quickly securing a spot in the lead pack. She maintained a solid fourth-place position for the first two laps, with a steady pace demonstrating her experience and tactical expertise. However, as the race neared its final stretch, a competitor pushed to overtake her. Though Katie fought to keep pace, a slight gap opened as they entered the final 200 meters. She pushed through a challenging pack and stamped her ticket to the state cross-country meet last week.

Numerous studies emphasize the profound impact of community during difficult times. When people face crises, they rely heavily on their internal faith and the external support of their faith community. This dual strength—inner faith and communal backing—gives children a strong defense against feelings of depression and doubt.

As the Comets march deeper into the playoffs, their chemistry, discipline, and passion for celebrating one another continue to drive them forward. “It was certainly a memorable game for our seniors to have on their home court for the last time,” Coach Foss noted in closing the game and looking forward to more time with her team.

At Sted Chocolate, the children were introduced to the world of chocolate-making, but more importantly, they witnessed the entrepreneurial spirit in action. They saw how ideas come to life through hard work, creativity, and business acumen. This experience sparked imaginations and gave a new perspective on what is achieved by applying the lessons learned in the classroom.

The Comets won in their Section 6A play-in game against the Henning Hornets with a confident 3-0 sweep (25-13, 25-9, 25-17) on their home court. Hillcrest made a solid statement to start their postseason run, led by a team-wide effort that showcased talent and determination.

The tradition of Prayer Day underscores the importance of raising students who are not only intellectually engaged but also spiritually grounded. At Hillcrest, prayer is woven into the fabric of the student experience, reinforcing our mission to build faith, develop intellect, and strengthen character. As Hillcrest continues to raise up students in the classical tradition, Prayer Day remains a cornerstone of spiritual growth, shaping hearts and minds for lives of service, wisdom, and grace.

The Comets mounted an impressive second-half comeback to secure a 28-14 victory over the Underwood Rockets, advancing in the playoffs with momentum and determination. After a slow start, the Comets exploded in the fourth quarter to seal the win in front of an energized home crowd.

The Comets capped off their regular season with a gritty 30-16 victory over the Rothsay Tigers, with a show of determination and resilience as they gear up for the postseason. With a dominant performance by quarterback Ethan Swedberg, who racked up four touchdowns, Hillcrest was able to set the tone early and close out strong despite some late-game resistance from Rothsay.

It was Will Selvig's heroics in the seventh round that brought the tension of the night to a thrilling close. After a composed Lincoln Nash buried Hillcrest's seventh penalty, Selvig dove to his right to stop Crookston's final attempt, sealing the victory 7-6 in the shootout.

When the final point was scored, the cheers from the home crowd weren’t just for the dominating victory—they were a celebration of Coach Debi Foss's 100th win. After 13 years of coaching, Debi stood proudly with her team, reflecting on the journey that led her to this milestone.

The unique qualities that men bring—a sense of humor, firm handshakes, or words of wisdom—offer benefits that shape a child’s school experience. Fathers provide strong role models, demonstrate the importance of showing up, and offer different perspectives contributing to a well-rounded upbringing. Hillcrest’s “Dads at the Doors” is a reminder of how small acts of presence can lead to big impacts.